Narrative:Kam Air Flight 904 from Herat to Kabul, Afghanistan, was destroyed when it impacted a mountain side during descent. All 105 on board were killed.The Boeing 737-242 aircraft, with Kyrgyz Republic registration EX-037, departed from Herat at 10:02 UTC. The estimated time of arrival (ETA) at Kabul International Airport was 10:55 UTC.The aircraft was cruising at flight level 270 when it contacted Bagram Radar Approach Control ("Bagram") for descent and landing. The flight was normal until it failed to level at flight level 130 during the VOR/DME approach.At 10:43 UTC, Bagram cleared the flight to descend at its discretion and to expect the VOR approach to runway 29. The prevailing weather was also passed on to the aircraft. Visibility was reported 2 kilometers with snow, ceiling 2200 feet broken. wind calm and altimeter setting QNH 1016.When the aircraft was 35 miles west of the Kabul VOR, radar contact was established with Bagram. The aircraft was advised by Bagram to cross the VOR at or above flight level 130 and cleared it for the VOR/DME approach to runway 29 at Kabul Airport. At 10:48 UTC the aircraft reported flight level 130.Bagram again cleared the aircraft for the VOR approach to runway 29 and advised the aircraft to report procedure turn inbound. The crew replied that they would report proceeding inbound for the VOR approach to runway 29. This was the last transmission from the aircraft.

Search for the aircraft was delayed and hampered due to a severe snowstorm in the region. The aircraft was located approximately three days later by an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) helicopterThe Flight Data Recorder (FDR) was recovered, but the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) could not be found. No data was found recorded on the FDR.

Probable Cause:

Probable Cause: "The accident occurred probably due to the premature descent by the Aircraft below its minimum assigned altitude of 13,000 feet during approach in weather conditions below VFR requirements. The reason for descending below the minimum allltude could not be determined due to inadequate evidence."

All operalors should advise their flight crew to strictly adhere to the laid down instrument approach procedures. This aspect should be checked during their periodic proficiency checks and refresher courses.

Issued: 01-FEB-2006

To: Bagram ATC

EX-037 (2)

Bagram controllers should instruct flight crew to cross LANNI at the assigned altitude inbound to ensure terrain clearance by fl ights. In case of any deviation in altitude, ATC should warn the flight crew.

Issued: 01-FEB-2006

To:

EX-037 (3)

Installation of effective radar that ensures coverage of the airspace around Kabul airport should be expedited. In addition, Minimum Safe Altitude Waming System (MSAW) software should be provided in the radar system.

Issued: 01-FEB-2006

To:

EX-037 (4)

All operators must check the read outs of FOR and CVR at least once in six months to ensure proper recording of the data and voices. Certificate of Airworthiness renewal of aircfafts should be done by the Flight Safety office only on demonstrating satisfactory performance of the recorders.

Issued: 01-FEB-2006

To:

EX-037 (5)

Transition altitude and transition level high enough should be established to ensure terrain clearance regardless of weather cooditions.

Issued: 01-FEB-2006

To:

EX-037 (6)

All operators should advise their flight crew to read back fully the clearances granted by air traffic control. The air traffic controllers should repeat the clearance in case the crew does nol read back fully.

Issued: 01-FEB-2006

To:

EX-037 (7)

The air traffic controllers should clear aircrafts for VFR approaches only under circumstances where VFR can be effectively and safely implemented

N238TA was withdrawn from use in April 2004 and was bought by Phoenix Air as EX-037 in August. Kam Air started using the plane in November.

Aircraft history

date

registration

operator

remarks

04 JAN 1980

C-GNDR

Nordair

31 JAN 1981

N8536Z

Wien Air Alaska

leased

25 APR 1981

C-GNDR

Nordair

returned

02 JAN 1987

C-GNDR

CP Air

airline merged

26 APR 1987

C-GNDR

Canadian Airlines International

airline merged

25 JUL 1991

N238TA

TACA International

leased

01 DEC 1991

N238TA

Aviateca

sub leased

08 SEP 1992

N238TA

TACA International

returned

07 DEC 1992

N238TA

LACSA

transferred

20 AUG 1993

N238TA

Ecuatoriana

sub leased

N238TA

TACA International

returned

N238TA

LACSA

transferred

26 AUG 2004

EX-037

Phoenix Aviation

26 OCT 2004

EX-037

Kam Air

leased

Map

This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path. Distance from Herat Airport to Kabul-Khwaja Rawash Airport as the crow flies is 638 km (399 miles).Accident location: Exact; deduced from official accident report.

This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.